The Samaritan Center is the only facility of its kind in Simi Valley. The Center has been open since 1994, and serves about 200 individuals every year. It offers a place for homeless individuals and families to not only receive immediate assistance with basic necessities such as food and shelter, but also gets them the support they need to transition out of homelessness and into brighter, better futures. Every family or individual the Samaritan Center helps has access to outreach programs designed to offer long-term assistance, such as public mental health services, job recruitment, and Veterans’ services. Although the Center’s main goal is to help the homeless, and provide them with the support and resources they need to become productive members of the community, they also promote other charitable causes, such as relief for those affected by hurricanes. Some of the services they offer to those in need include free meals, hot showers, laundry services, and medical assistance. The Samaritan Center is a non-profit organization, and is supported by donations and also by fundraisers, such as the One Love Fashion show, and, of course, the one we are organizing.
All of us here at American Veterinary Hospital, your Simi Valley, CA veterinary clinic, believe in trying to make positive changes in the world, and do all we can to make life better for both people and pets in need. We’ve previously been involved in three other fundraisers for The Samaritan Center. In addition to our work with them, we have funded several small business loans though KIVA, a non-profit organization that helps borrowers worldwide start or grow a small business, go to school, access clean energy, or realize their potential. We also recently helped support relief efforts for homeless pets affected by Hurricane Harvey.
If you have an appointment coming up after October 1st, please consider bringing in a small donation of canned goods or new or gently used clothing for The Samaritan Center. You can even bring in dog food, which will be given to the dogs of the homeless. Help us help the homeless of our community. Every little bit helps!